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If it is found during the airport screening process then police are called and those in possession face a fine.

Colorado Springs police chief Pete Carey said the amnesty boxes would allow people to dispose of their cannabis without a penalty, rather than having to go outside the airport and missing their flight. The drugs left in the boxes will be destroyed.

Once passengers board their flight they are subject to federal rather than Colorado law and can be arrested and jailed if found in possession of the drug.

Colorado's biggest airport, Denver International Airport, has banned the drug from its premises.

Eagle County Airport is also considering amnesty boxes. An airport spokesman told NBC News: “What we don’t want is them throwing it in the trash can. Then you have other people digging through the garbage."